From the EAST
Trying to win the hearts and minds of the community so they all could have a better perception of what Freemasonry is all about, do takes a bit more time than to what I expected. Like every Captain of every Ship, they never see the port where they are sailing, they have to make small course corrections to reach there destinations successfully. Gently, we will make these small corrections for the good of the lodge and to successfully meet our goals and objectives.
Over the past few years our lodge was all about growth and expansion, becoming more rooted and connected to our new home and our community. Generally speaking, we still have a lot of work to be done, throughout this year to help us manage and encourage growth to the brethren to work. Not specifically extraordinary, but rather a few simple things. Five little things from each of us, to be more exact. They are as follows.
- Encouraging all brethren to come to lodge more often. Be it for our monthly stated meetings, conferring of degrees, and lodge charity and fellowship events.
- Keep your eyes and ears peeled for any opportunities where we could reasonably make an impact for good and bring it to our attention.
- Always have that connection to a brother; we all look out for each other, and as I had mentioned before, it is all about the brother to your left and to your right. Let’s all be mindful of that which the trowel spreads. As a result, it will transform us from individual stones, to a united band of brothers.
- Help where you can. Teamwork. We all have different skills, wisdom, and strengths to bring to the drawing boards. i.e., If you find yourself being a ritualist, and would like to learn more in doing floorworks, I want you to get with our Senior Warden so he could direct you accordingly, so we all could participate in any lodge events. I encourage everyone to join and participate in our lodge committees to truly get from our starting point to our next destination takes teamwork.
- Stay connected with the lodge. Keep us informed if you get sick. In need or wanting help, major life-cycle event, any ideas you want us to work on, or anything that you would wish to discuss. No matter what it is, I am confident that I have the right ammunition for that. Helping is not a burden-but a privilege.
Lastly, Grand Master Randall Brill has proclaimed February 2023 as the Masonic Widows Month in California.
During this month, I would ask to honor our widows with your thoughts and actions. As masons, we are always encouraged to show love and support to our widows and orphans.
I look forward to seeing everyone in the lodge and at our future events this year.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
John Ehrlich Kiley
Master
From the West
Brethren,
Guarding the West Gate. The practice of being diligent in who we let in our craft, of investigating candidates and performing background checks and so forth. And us being here inside this lodge would mean that we have passed all those prerequisites or have made the cut. Otherwise, we would have not made it through those doors.
Giving those three distinct knocks at the door, the alarm that sets the initiation works to commence, in ancient masonic history symbolizes many meanings other than just a request for admission, of just being truly prepared for initiation. Let us all be reminded, awakened and reflect upon ourselves the meaning of becoming a MASON, and absorb and apply the tenets of Freemasonry, the moral and social virtues that we learned and gained upon entering that door of the preparation room. Let us understand that those symbolic three knocks represents a prayerful petition for these gifts. To further each and everyone’s learning and deeper understanding of our craft, as part of this year’s Worshipful Masters program of activities, masonic education will be injected during our stated meetings. Also, individual mentoring will be furnished upon all applicants and candidates. Everyone is encouraged to have a part in this endeavor.
It is an honor to have the officer’s seat guarding these doors. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for entrusting me in this position. Looking forward to a brighter future for this great lodge.
Fraternally,
Bro. Anthony Wesley Baguiwet
Senior Warden
From the South
Brethren,
There is nothing more honorable than to serve as your 2023 Junior Warden. From the words of George Elliot, “No man can be wise on an empty stomach.”
The South will continue to ensure that refreshments will be served on Stated meetings and other events. I am excited to see our highly motivated applicants, Entered Apprentices (EA), and Fellow Crafts (FC) meet these challenges. I am looking forward to the sumptuous meals that will be served at every meeting and would greatly appreciate it, if attending Brethren are able to support these meals in whatever way we can.
Last month, CVML 427 hosted the Officers School of Instruction (OSI). Kudos to our Applicants RJ Penaverde and Warren Abad for preparing dinner and to our Stewards for responding to their needs.
Due to our very busy schedules, a group chat will be created through Facebook Messenger titled “Knives Out” intended for our EA’s, FC’s and Applicants to communicate as needed.
Upcoming: This Saturday, Feb. 4, our 2nd degree conferral candidates have something prepared for dinner which will include a popular native dish “Pinikpikan.” If you’re curious what that is, come and break bread this Saturday.
South side, Always Ready!!
Fraternally,
Paul Henry L. Kiley
Junior Warden
From the SECRETARY’S DESK
Brethren,
We have achieved a 75% payment rate of Annual Dues for 2023 most of whom have paid through the Grand Lodge Website. We remitted the dues of 7 brethren, 5 of whom are inactive and cannot be located. However, our lodge cannot suspend them due to old age, and 2 brethren have requested remission of duesdue to hardship. Due and written notices will be sent to those who have not paid their dues and are due for
suspension. Digital notices are also sent out through emails and our messenger account.Please check your emails. For those who did not pay yet, you may pay directly to me or through the Grand Lodge website.
For our membership updates, we have 78 Master Masons in the active list however, this includes the 4 inactive members that cannot be located, but the Lodge cannot suspend because of old age. We have 1 pending demit. We have 2 applicants, 10 EAMs, 2 FCMs that includes the inactive FCM that cannot be located but cannot be suspended because of old age. Inquiries have been sent to Grand Lodge if we can reject the FCM due to non-advancement, but Grand Lodge have not yet replied to my inquiries. We also have 10 inquiries through the Grand Lodge that were referred to our Lodge but only 2 so far responded to our call. 1 came to the Lodge but has not given his feedback.Fraternally,
WBro. Eric G. Calixto, PM
Secretary
